Lactose intolerance is when your body can't digest and absorb lactose, lactose is not broken down and stays in the intestine. This process called fermentation, generates lactic and other organic acids, and causes gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
What causes lactose intolerance?
Causes of lactose intolerance are outlined below:
Babies born too early may have lactose intolerance.
Your small intestine decreases lactose production after bowel surgery.
Some medications can also cause the body to produce lower levels of lactose, causing temporary lactose intolerance.
Congenital lactose deficiency.
Parasitic infection can temporarily reduce lactose levels.
Lactose Intolerance Symptoms
People with lactose intolerance often occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after drinking breast milk or eating dairy products, The common symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal colic
Stomach pains
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Flatulence
Cramps
Hydrogen breath test
This is the most common test for lactose intolerance. Your doctor measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath. If more than 20 ppm above your baseline, you may have lactose intolerant.
Lactose tolerance test
You'll undergo blood tests to see how much blood sugar it contains. If your blood sugar levels will either rise slowly, or not at all. you may have lactose intolerant.
Small bowel biopsy
This test requires inserting a tube into the stomach to obtained a sample of small intestinal lining.
Stool Acidity Test
The stool acidity test is used for infants and young children to measure the amount of acid in the stool. Stool pH in lactose intolerance is less than 5.5.
Can lactose intolerance be prevented?
No, You can prevent symptoms by avoiding foods with lactose. these food products may contain lactose include:
Salad dressings
Chocolate
Bread and other baked goods
Milk and milk products
Candies
Butter
Biscuits
Beers
Potatoes
Cakes
Cereals
